Born on January 25, 1937, in Paterson, New Jersey, this politician has had a long and distinguished career in public service and education. He graduated from St. John the Baptist High School in 1955 before obtaining his B.A. and M.A. from Fordham University in 1959 and 1961, respectively. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1962 and continued with the Army Reserve until 1967. His career in education began as a teacher, eventually leading him to become president of the Paterson Board of Education, a position he held from 1979 to 1982.

His political career began in earnest in the state legislature, where he served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1988 to 1996, including a tenure as minority leader pro tempore. He then became the mayor of Paterson from 1990 to 1996. Elected as a Democrat to his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1997, he served for 27 consecutive years, ending with his passing on August 21, 2024.

In Congress, he was known for his focus on issues that addressed the needs of his constituents and broader national concerns. He was a co-sponsor of significant legislation including the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023 (HB33), which sought to expand Medicare coverage to include essential dental, vision, and hearing care. This bill has garnered attention as part of a larger effort to improve health services for seniors.

Additionally, he co-sponsored the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act (HB45), aimed at easing tax burdens for beauty service establishments, illustrating his commitment to support local businesses and community economic health. He also championed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 (HB14), which sought to enhance voting access and integrity, reflecting his dedication to civil rights and democratic participation.

His political actions indicate a progressive stance on social issues, particularly visible through his support for health care and voting rights legislation. His co-sponsorship of bills such as the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act (HB3821) demonstrates a strong commitment to public health and safety, particularly for first responders. He also backed various measures aimed at promoting equality, such as the Equality Act (HB15), which aims to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, indicating his support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Throughout his lengthy tenure in Congress, he served on multiple committees, further demonstrating his engagement and influence over key legislation. His focus on health, small business support, social justice, and voting rights has positioned him as a steadfast advocate for progressive legislation.

In terms of personal life, he was known to have strong ties to his community and was dedicated to educational initiatives. His family background and personal experiences significantly shaped his views on education and social equity, allowing him to connect deeply with the constituents he represented.

His legacy in Congress was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of everyday Americans, enhancing access to essential services, and fighting for civil rights, goals that have echoed throughout his political career.